WWE SmackDown live tonight on the USA Network in the United States and Netflix international from the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
WWE’s recent wave of roster cuts has sparked plenty of discussion among fans, but one particular backstage rumor is now gaining attention regarding the company’s creative direction under TKO Group Holdings.
According to a report from PWInsider, there has been internal speculation within WWE that certain decision-makers connected to TKO may not be especially interested in darker or supernatural-style wrestling characters. While nothing has been officially confirmed, that belief has reportedly become a talking point backstage following several surprising departures.
Among the names being linked to that theory are The Wyatt Sicks, Aleister Black, and Zelina Vega. Fans immediately questioned the release of The Wyatt Sicks due to the group’s strong connection to Bray Wyatt’s legacy and WWE’s continued emphasis on cinematic storytelling in recent years.
Aleister Black has also long been associated with darker presentation and occult-inspired character work, making his release another example some within the company are pointing toward when discussing the rumored shift in philosophy.
The report further notes that one person even referenced The Undertaker’s recent WWE appearances, suggesting that his increased use of the “American Badass” persona instead of the supernatural “Deadman” character may align with this broader creative preference.
Of course, it’s important to note that these discussions are currently speculation and have not been publicly addressed by WWE or TKO executives. WWE roster decisions are typically influenced by multiple factors, including creative plans, budget considerations, and long-term branding strategies.
Still, the conversation has fueled debate among wrestling fans about whether WWE could be moving away from some of the supernatural elements that have been part of the company’s identity for decades.
For now, the reported backstage chatter remains just that — internal speculation — but it has certainly added another layer to the discussion surrounding WWE’s latest releases.
WWE NXT gained another notable addition this week as former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL officially made his debut appearance on Tuesday night’s episode of the brand.
With several NXT stars recently moving to WWE’s main roster, the developmental show is beginning to introduce a fresh wave of talent, and EVIL may be one of the most intriguing names yet.
During the show, NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo addressed the crowd and declared himself the centerpiece of the brand. D’Angelo confidently stated that nobody in NXT was capable of knocking him off the top spot.
That confidence was quickly interrupted.
A cloud of fog and dramatic lighting filled the arena before EVIL made his entrance wearing a dark black robe. The former NJPW star slowly approached the ring and came face-to-face with D’Angelo in a tense staredown.
Rather than speaking, EVIL handed the champion a shirt featuring Japanese text before turning and leaving the ring. The mysterious presentation left both fans and commentators speculating about his intentions.
Commentator Vic Joseph acknowledged EVIL’s accomplishments in Japan during the segment, referring to him as a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion. However, WWE stopped short of officially identifying him by the EVIL ring name, leaving some uncertainty surrounding what name he will ultimately use going forward in NXT.
Reports surfaced earlier this year that EVIL had signed with WWE following the expiration of his New Japan Pro-Wrestling contract. His final NJPW appearance took place on January 20 during the Road To The New Beginning tour, where he competed in an eight-man tag team match.
The segment also teased additional challengers for D’Angelo. Shortly after EVIL’s appearance, former No Quarter Catch Crew member Tavion Heights attacked the NXT Champion from behind. English wrestler Will Kroos then added to the chaos by landing a moonsault onto D’Angelo.
With several new threats emerging at once, Tony D’Angelo’s reign could soon become far more difficult — and EVIL’s arrival may end up being the biggest game changer of them all.
WWE NXT tonight at 8/7c on The CW.
After months of uncertainty surrounding the future of WWE NXT Premium Live Events, WWE has officially locked in a new broadcast partner—and it’s a move that could quietly reshape how fans access big shows moving forward.
Earlier this year, Peacock’s rights to NXT PLEs expired, leaving fans wondering where the brand’s marquee events would land next. That uncertainty became even more noticeable when NXT Stand & Deliver broke tradition by moving off WrestleMania weekend and streaming for free on WWE’s YouTube channel. It was an unusual move that hinted WWE was still figuring out its next step.
Now we have the answer.
WWE announced Tuesday that The CW Network—already home to weekly WWE NXT programming—has secured the rights to NXT Premium Live Events as part of a new multi-year agreement. While financial details weren’t revealed, the deal will see The CW air 20 NXT specials over the next several years.
The first event under the new agreement will be The Great American Bash, set to air later this summer. An exact date hasn’t been confirmed yet, but the show will mark the official start of this new era.
The CW’s Brad Schwartz framed the move as a natural extension of the network’s relationship with NXT, which began in 2024 under a five-year deal. According to Schwartz, NXT has already proven to be a reliable draw on Tuesday nights, bringing in a consistent and engaged audience. Adding the brand’s biggest events to the lineup simply keeps everything under one roof for viewers.
The bigger story here, though, is accessibility. This marks the first time in WWE history that Premium Live Events—whether from NXT or the main roster—will air on traditional free television. For years, WWE’s biggest shows have lived behind paywalls, from the WWE Network to Peacock and now ESPN’s platforms. This deal breaks that mold in a significant way.
For fans, it means easier access to major NXT moments without needing a subscription. For WWE, it’s another strategic shift as the company continues experimenting with how and where it distributes content in a rapidly changing media landscape.
After a brief period of limbo, NXT’s PLE future is no longer in question—and it’s heading somewhere no WWE event has gone before: straight to free TV.
WWE Raw live tonight on Netflix from the Sames Auto Center in Laredo, TX, beginning at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT.
WWE may be hitting the reset button on Friday Night SmackDown sooner rather than later.
After kicking off 2026 with an expanded three-hour format, new reports suggest the blue brand won’t be sticking with the longer runtime for much longer. According to Bodyslam+, WWE is planning to scale SmackDown back down to its traditional two-hour format within the next few weeks.
The shift would mark yet another adjustment in what has become a bit of a recurring experiment for the company. Earlier this year, there were already rumblings that WWE could follow a similar pattern to 2025—using the first few months of the year to run three-hour episodes before eventually trimming things back. Last year, that transition didn’t happen until July, but this time around, the change could come significantly earlier.
The original move to three hours was reportedly designed to strengthen network programming by providing a longer lead-in for other shows. However, the extended format hasn’t exactly been a hit across the board. Some within the wrestling world, including WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray, have been vocal about their belief that three hours is simply too long for a weekly wrestling show to maintain consistent quality.
For comparison, WWE Raw—now airing on Netflix Monday nights—clocks in at around two and a half hours including commercials, offering a slightly shorter but still substantial viewing experience.
If the reports hold true, SmackDown returning to two hours could be welcome news for fans who prefer a tighter, more focused weekly show.
WWE has reportedly made another round of roster cuts, with a wide range of talent—from established main roster names to rising NXT prospects—being let go from the company.
As of now, the list of releases includes several recognizable names who have played key roles on WWE programming in recent years. Among the أبرز departures are Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, and Santos Escobar, all of whom have had significant runs on the main roster. The exits of Uncle Howdy (Bo Dallas), Nikki Cross, Dexter Lumis, and Erick Rowan also stand out, especially given their ties to various factions and storylines over the past few years.
The tag team division has also taken a hit, with the Motor City Machine Guns reportedly parting ways with WWE. Meanwhile, Joe Gacy and Andre Chase—both heavily featured during their time in NXT—are also included in the cuts.
On the women’s side, Zoey Stark and Alba Fyre are among those released, along with developmental names like Tyra Mae Steele and Sirena Linton.
The list extends deep into NXT, with several newer or lesser-known talents also being let go, including Tyson Dupont, Tyriek Igwe, Chris Island, Dante Chen, Malik Blade, Trill London, and Luca Crusifino.
At this stage, there’s no official word on whether more releases are expected, but the scope of the cuts suggests a significant shake-up behind the scenes. Situations like this often point to roster restructuring, budget considerations, or shifts in creative direction, particularly as WWE continues to evolve its talent pipeline between NXT and the main roster.
As always, talent releases can open the door for fresh opportunities elsewhere in the wrestling world, and it’ll be interesting to see where these performers land next. For now, though, the WWE roster looks noticeably different following this latest wave of departures.
As it stands, the following names have been released (so far):
WWE appears to be adding even more depth to its SmackDown women’s division, as Blake Monroe is officially on her way to the main roster.
During Friday night’s episode of SmackDown, a vignette aired promoting the arrival of “The Glamour,” confirming that Monroe will be joining the blue brand soon. The video package leaned into the same presentation style used during her NXT debut, featuring a voiceover alongside highlights from her recent run in WWE’s developmental system.
Monroe’s exit from NXT seems to have been solidified earlier in the week at NXT: Revenge, where she came up short in a casket match against current Women’s North American Champion Tatum Paxley. The visual of Paxley slamming the casket shut felt symbolic, effectively closing the chapter on Monroe’s time in NXT amid months of speculation about a call-up.
Before signing with WWE last year, Monroe was known to many fans as Mariah May in AEW, where she reached the top of the division as AEW Women’s World Champion. She arrived in NXT in June shortly after departing AEW, and it didn’t take long for her to make an impact.
Her in-ring debut came at the Great American Bash, where she teamed with Jordynne Grace to score a win over Fatal Influence. However, Monroe quickly shifted gears the very next night, turning on Grace and launching her first major storyline in WWE. She later captured the Women’s North American Championship at Halloween Havoc, defeating Zaria—who was defending the title on behalf of Sol Ruca—in one of her biggest moments on the brand.
Now, with polished character work and championship experience already under her belt, Monroe heads to SmackDown with momentum and a clear edge. Between her star power and the growing list of recent call-ups, it’s becoming clear that WWE is stacking the blue brand—and Monroe may be positioned to make an immediate splash once she arrives.
Friday night’s episode of WWE SmackDown turned into a statement show for one of NXT’s most talked-about factions, as Fatal Influence officially arrived—and they didn’t come quietly.
While much of the buzz heading into the night centered around Paige’s long-awaited return to the blue brand after more than eight years, the spotlight quickly shifted once the chaos began during a high-profile women’s tag team match. Paige teamed up with WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Brie Bella to take on Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, but the match never reached a proper conclusion.
Jacy Jayne—making her own presence felt in a big way—stormed the scene and yanked Paige off the apron just as a tag was about to be made. From there, things unraveled fast. Jayne sent Paige crashing into the steel steps, while the rest of Fatal Influence—Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid—hit the ring and dismantled both Flair and Bliss. The trio stood tall over all four women before heading up the ramp, making it clear with both their actions and words that SmackDown was now their territory.
The group wasn’t finished for the night, either. Later in the show, Fatal Influence crossed paths with WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley, setting up an impromptu showdown between Ripley and Jayne. The match ended in another disqualification after Henley and Reid once again got involved, but the numbers game allowed Jayne to get the last laugh by dropping Ripley with her Rolling Encore finisher.
Jayne’s move to the main roster had been heavily speculated in the days following WrestleMania 42, especially after what looked like a farewell moment at the WWE Performance Center on NXT programming. What wasn’t clear at the time was whether Henley and Reid would be making the jump alongside her—but after Friday night, that question has been answered.
With a dominant debut and immediate impact on SmackDown’s top stars, Fatal Influence has officially entered the mix—and if their first night is any indication, the women’s division just got a lot more unpredictable.
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